By Lachlan Labere, Black Press
Two people are facing multiple charges in relation to a Malakwa marijuana grow operation from which police seized more than 400 plants, as well as numerous firearms.
On May 9, Sicamous RCMP executed a search warrant at a Mizon Road residence. Sicamous Sgt. Dave Dubnyk says the warrant was obtained for theft of electricity. Upon entering the residence, investigating officers found two "large marijuana grow operations," and multiple firearms including two shotguns and three rifles.
"The residence had a licence to produce medicinal marijuana," reports Dubnyk. "However, the quantity of plants was two-and-a-half times the amount authorized by Health Canada."
Three people located at the residence, one from Malakwa and the other two from the Okanagan, were taken into custody. They were later released, with two facing charges for production of marijuana, theft of electricity and unsafe storage of firearms.
Dubnyk adds further charges are pending against two additional suspects, and that the case remains under investigation.